Principal Ecologist (Ornithology)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Ecologist with a strong ornithological background to play a key role in leading and delivering complex ecological projects. This is a senior position suited to someone confident in technical delivery, client liaison and mentoring staff with a particular expertise in bird ecology and assessment.

You will take a lead role on projects involving internationally designated sites, providing robust advice, assessment and reporting that stands up to scrutiny at planning, appeal and inquiry.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical leadership and project management of complex ecological projects.
• Leading ornithological assessment and reporting including:
  • Assessments relating to internationally designated sites (SPA, Ramsar and related Habitats Regulations considerations)
  • Breeding and wintering bird surveys and data interpretation.
• Preparation and review of:
  • Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA).
  • Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRA) screening and appropriate assessments.
  • Environmental Statement (ES) ecology chapters.
  • Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and metric calculations.
• Providing high-quality written outputs suitable for submission to LPAs, statutory consultees and examination/appeal processes.
• Acting as a technical point of contact for clients, planners and other stakeholders.
• Mentoring and supporting junior staff including review of reports and field outputs.

Essential Requirements

• Degree (or higher qualification) in ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related discipline
• Significant professional experience in ecological consultancy or a comparable role.
• Strong ornithological experience including survey design, interpretation and impact assessment.
• Demonstrable experience of:
  • Internationally designated sites assessments.
  • EcIA preparation and review
  • Ecology chapters of Environmental Statements.
  • BNG assessment and reporting.
• Excellent written communication skills with a track record of producing clear and defensible technical reports.
• Sound understanding of UK wildlife legislation and planning policy.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site work and meetings.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Chartered Ecologist or Full Membership of CIEEM (or working towards).
• Experience supporting projects through appeal or examination.
• Line management experience.
• At least one species licence (GCN, Bat, Hazel Dormice) and recent Named Ecologist experience.

What we offer

• A senior role with real technical influence and autonomy.
• Opportunity to shape ornithological and ecological best practice within the team.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where possible.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing CPD and professional development support.

We are committed to sustainable working practices and recognise the physical and cognitive demands of nocturnal survey work and actively prioritise recovery. Alongside flexible working and a robust TOIL system, we apply clear limits on the number of nocturnal surveys staff undertake per week and ensure that all staff have a full week free from nocturnal work each month, including during the busiest parts of the survey season.

Location

The role is preferably Kent (Canterbury) based, though hybrid working is supported. Candidates must be willing to travel for site work and meetings as required.